Cane Corsos are intelligent, fiercely loyal dogs. They’re also big, and the average Cane Corso weighs over 100 pounds. Another trait these beautiful dogs have is one with a positive and negative side: a highly protective nature. The negative side of this protective nature is that Cane Corsos might be too vigilant and don’t always get along well with other dogs. If you’re adopting a Cane Corso and already have dogs at home, you may be wondering if it will be good with them.
The answer is, it depends. Several factors determine if a Cane Corso will get along well with your other dogs and can help you decide if your dogs can coexist with the massive canine.
Socialization of Your Cane Corso Is Critical
Dog experts agree that the key to ensuring your Cane Corso gets along with other dogs is thorough socialization. However, the best time for socializing a dog is when it’s a puppy, between 3–12 weeks of age. Adopting an adult Cane Corso and trying to socialize it with your dogs will be much more difficult because the dog will be set in its ways.
The Other Dogs Should Also Be Big Dogs
Cane Corsos have a high prey drive, which can make it challenging for them to coexist with smaller dogs if they haven’t been socialized properly from a young age. An adult Cane Corso with no prior exposure to small dogs may see them as prey. However, if you adopt a Cane Corso as a puppy and introduce them to smaller dogs, the chances of them getting along are much higher. Many Cane Corsos raised alongside smaller pets grow to live harmoniously with them.
Still, trainers recommend having larger dogs in the household to ensure the Cane Corso and its companions are on more equal terms.
The Dogs Should Meet on Neutral Territory
If you adopt an adult Cane Corso to bring home to your other dogs, it’s best to “introduce” them at a neutral location. This will lower the protective response of all your dogs, as there won’t be anything around the neutral site they consider “theirs.” Introducing them at your home might work, but the chance it will trigger a protective response will be much higher.
Any Aggression Is a Bad Sign
If there is any aggression on either side when introducing your new Cane Corso to your existing pups, it’s best to stop the introduction immediately. You could then start doing scent swapping by exchanging items with the dogs’ scent on it between them. Let them investigate each other’s item and prepare a meeting once they are comfortable with the other dog’s scent. Then try introducing them again following the steps needed.
It’s Best to Adopt Opposite Sexes
Some sources suggest that even after being neutered, male Cane Corsos can remain possessive, territorial, and aggressive toward other dogs, particularly other males. If you already have male dogs at home, adopting a female Cane Corso might be a better option, and vice versa. However, this general guideline may not apply to all dogs, as individual temperaments can vary significantly.
Start Socializing Before Your Cane Corso Has Had All Its Vaccinations
Having positive early experiences during the socialization period, from 3–12 weeks of age, is key for success. The recommendation may sound controversial, but vets recommend socializing your Cane Corso during this period, therefore before they’re fully vaccinated. The reason is simple; if you wait, it may be too late. In effect, the risk of them getting a dog disease is lower than the risk of aggressive, territorial behavior, so socialization should take precedence over finishing vaccinations.
If you’re worried about socializing your Cane Corso before it’s been fully vaccinated, know this; The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommends it1. Vets still recommend that your Cane Corso have their first vaccination and deworming before meeting any other puppies.
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How to Socialize a Cane Corso Puppy
Socializing a Cane Corso puppy is one of the best ways to ensure they can have a safe and affectionate relationship with your other dogs. There are many methods you can use to socialize your new pup. Below are a few of the best.
1. Arrange Puppy Play Sessions With Other Pups and Adult Dogs
Arranging play sessions between your Cane Corso puppy and other puppies is a fantastic way to socialize them. The same can be said for socializing it with adult dogs, although you must be sure they are non-aggressive and friendly, lest they get aggressive and hurt your pup.
2. Invite Friends and Family Over to Meet Your Cane Corso
Cane Corsos must also be socialized with humans, which can lower their protective nature and aggression. The more people, and the more often they touch, hug, cuddle, and play with your Cane Corso, the better.
3. Take Your Cane Corso Puppy to Several Places
Yes, you can socialize your Cane Corso puppy at home, but you should take it to the dog park and other canine-friendly locations to experience meeting new dogs. It is a fantastic way to show your Cane Corso that other dogs are all around and lower their aggression due to their protective nature when they’re adults.
4. Have Your Cane Corso Neutered or Spayed
Unless you plan to breed your male Cane Corso, get him fixed. This will significantly lower hormone-related undesired behaviors. Besides that, it’s been shown that neutering (or spaying) a dog is one of the best methods of extending its life and lowering its chances of getting certain types of cancer.
5. Bring Your Cane Corso to a Puppy Socialization Class
Depending on where you live, there are puppy socialization classes where you can enroll your Cane Corso. These classes are perfect for socializing your new pup with others in a controlled and safe environment.
6. Keep Up With Your Pup’s Socialization
One mistake many new Cane Corso owners make is to bring their pup somewhere for socialization and then… never do it again. Some situations will initially be too much for your Cane Corso puppy to handle. However, with repeated exposure, they become used to the stimulus, whether the park, mall, a friend’s house, etc. This process, called habituation, teaches your pup that the situation is OK and helps them calm down. For habituation to work, however, repeated exposure is a must.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to adopt a Cane Corso and have other dogs at home, you now know that, in some cases, they will be good with your other dogs. As we’ve seen, socialization is the key. A Cane Corso puppy that’s been well-socialized will have far fewer problems with other dogs than one that’s not. Spaying and neutering can also be a great help, as well as some other factors we discussed earlier.
If the Cane Corso you adopt is already an adult, the chance it doesn’t get along with your other dogs will be higher. In extreme cases, you might even be forced to bring an adult Cane Corso back to the shelter or find another home. It’s unfortunate, but it’s better than your dogs fighting and injuring each other (or you). We wish you the best of luck bringing a Cane Corso together with your other dogs. Do it correctly, and you’ll have dog buddies for life!
Featured Image Credit: cynoclub, Shutterstock
Socialization of Your Cane Corso Is Critical
